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This post lists our top 10 suggestions for things to do in Paris in September.

It includes popular events, attractions, and festivals that are happening in 2022. Be sure to check the weather in Paris before you pack! 

For more things to do, check out our popular Paris posts: 


TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

Our top 10 list includes some free things to do, family-friendly activities, and events happening in the evenings.


1. See a Show at Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for something that is a bit more stereotypically Parisian, why not see a show at the Moulin Rouge?

The cabaret has exotic costumes, entertaining performers, and live music.

We recommend getting your tickets early, as performances tend to sell out a month or more in advance. 

Check out more  nighttime activities on our full post.


2. Attend a Jazz Festival

The Jazz à la Villette Festival takes place each September in celebration of everything jazz.

Activities take place in Parc de la Villette and various surrounding venues.

Note that because the festival wants to appeal to younger crowds as well, it puts effort into children's activities and concerts. Those can be found here.

The festival runs from August 31st to September 11th, 2022. Information on ticket purchasing can be found here.


3. Take a Sightseeing Tour

September means brisk weather and the chance to take a deep breath after the heat of the summer finally lets up.

This means it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the streets with a bike tour through Paris or a pay-what-you-wish walking tour with an entertaining guide. 

Free Tours Paris

If you’re excited to try delicious French pastries and food, check out these popular food tours

Of course, if you'd rather explore on your own, self-guided walking tours are always a good option.

Rick Steves offers some downloadable audio tours that cover some neighborhoods and museums in Paris. 


4. Attend the Techno Parade

Paris' annual Techno Parade returns after a two year absense.

This showcase of electronic music culture brings hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of Paris.

In addition to music and dancing, there will also be dozens of floats driving down the street alongside the dancers, each one representing an electronic label or group.

This parade is entirely free to attend, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the music along with everyone else!

In 2022, the parade takes place on September 24th.

For location information and other details, please check the Techo Parade Facebook page.


5. Experience European Heritage Days

On September 17th and 18th, Paris celebrates European Heritage Days.

The French Ministry of Culture and Communication invites folks to visit select Parisian monuments and cultural sites for free.

You can find concerts, gallery showings, and other events at participating venues throughout the city.

Some monuments and venues include the Philarhomie de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, and Elysee Palace. 


6. Attend a Food Festival

The annual three-day international Omnivore Food Festival brings together those chefs who take a new and daring look at contemporary cuisine.

Pop up demonstrations of talented and "undiscovered" chefs and other food artisans, exhibitors, masterclasses, and other activities take place around this festival.

Best of all, the over 10,000 guests have a chance to taste some exceptional food and drink.

The festival takes September 9th - 11th, 2022. Tickets can be purchased here.


7. Take in Paris Fashion Week

One of the most high-profile fashion weeks happens in Paris from September 26th - October 4th, 2022. This event sets the tone for fashion all over the world for the upcoming year.

There will be a few events open to the public, but tickets are in high demand so you should keep an eye on the calendar months in advance.

These events are generally independent of the official runway events, but still exciting for fashion fans.  


8. Take a Day Trip to Versailles

In September, the weather is still brisk and pleasant enough to spend an enjoyable day exploring the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. 

The palace sits on a beautiful estate that has been the site of multiple important meetings and events throughout history and is only 40 minutes from Paris by train.

The gardens are large enough that we recommend budgeting at least half a day to explore or take a bike tour.

We have a full post on finding deals for your tickets and how to find interesting Versailles tours.


9. Paris Garden Festival

Parisian parks and gardens everywhere are displaying their colorful autumn leaves, which makes it a perfect time for the annual Paris Garden Festival.

You can visit inside more than 150 parks and gardens, many of which aren’t usually open to the public. This includes Parc Monceau and Parc Georges Brassens.

You’ll also be able to find free activities in various districts of the city like guided tours, concerts, demonstrations, and workshops. 

For other free activities, take a look at our post about free things to do in Paris .


10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

With a tourist attraction discount pass, you’ll get to see much more at a bulk discount - up to 55% for some popular attractions!

The passes give you bulk discounts since you're getting entry to multiple attractions upfront. You'll also get to skip box office lines at participating locations! 

Attractions Include:

  • Arc De Triomphe
  • Paris Aquarium
  • Paris Opera House
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
  • And much more.

For more information on all the discount passes available, check out our full pass comparison post.


Honorable Mention: Sports

Summertime is coming to an end, but football season is still going! There should be ple nty of matches during the month of September. 

Football (Soccer)

Also, the all-female race for women only, La Parisienne, takes place on September 11th. Over 40,000 runners participate.

If you’re looking for more family-friendly activities in Paris , check out our full post. 


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About The Author

Christina

Christina studied art history and French literature at the Sorbonne for a year in Paris as an undergrad. Now based in Washington, DC, she visits Paris as often as possible and loves introducing family and friends to her favorite places there. She has worked as a travel writer, museum professional, English tutor, and editor, and her favorite French cheese is Pont l'Eveque.
Updated: September 7th, 2022
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